Chronic nasopharyngitis treatment in children. Symptoms and treatment of rhinopharyngitis in children. Treatment of rhinopharyngitis in infants

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Nasal congestion and discomfort in the throat make life difficult for the child. In the case of newborn babies who cannot breathe through their mouth, this presents a lot of problems. In this regard, it is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible, having previously carried out a number of studies.

In the article, we will consider the main types of rhinopharyngitis, talk about approaches to treatment in pediatrics, and also give recommendations for prevention.

Rhinopharyngitis in children is a disease that accompanies other infectious pathologies, simultaneous inflammation in the nose and throat. Hence the double name - rhinitis + pharyngitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa in combination with the focus of infection in the throat. The peak incidence occurs in the autumn-winter period and the off-season.

ICD code 10 varies depending on the type of rhinopharyngitis:

sharp - J00;
chronic - J1;
allergic, vasomotor - J30.

The preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of complaints of the child and his parents, taking into account the possibility of contact with carriers of the disease. This is done by a pediatrician or otolaryngologist.

After pharyngoscopy to determine the nature of the disease a number of laboratory diagnostics are carried out:

virological;
bacteriological;
serological.

A smear is taken from the nasopharynx, a clinical blood test is performed. If allergic rhinopharyngitis is suspected it is recommended to take samples for the allergen, in chronic form X-rays and computed tomography of the sinuses are performed.

All these studies are carried out to differentiate rhinopharyngitis from diseases similar in symptomatology:

diphtheria of the nose,
gonorrheal rhinitis of newborns,
congenital syphilitic defect,
infectious lesion with chlamydia and mycoplasma.

Views

Rhinopharyngitis occurs in various forms, there is a certain classification:

Classification principle	Views	Characteristic
Flow type	Spicy	abrupt start; runny nose; temperature; sore throat and sore throat.
	Subacute	mucus descends along the back wall; development is less acute; flows softer.
	Chronic	Consequence of untimely treatment of acute and subacute forms.
The nature of rhinopharyngitis	Infectious, viral	It occurs against the background of the action of viruses, fungi, bacteria.
The nature of rhinopharyngitis	Allergic	The causative agent is an allergen that provokes the disease.
Subspecies of chronic	Catarrhal	Lightest form
	Hypertrophic	Granules and growths are formed, the tonsils are enlarged.
	Subatrophic	Thinning of the mucous membrane occurs, which leads to a pathological malfunction.

Causes

The emergence of pathology is provoked by several factors. Irritant may be:

mechanical,
chemical,
bacteriological,
viral.

The process of inflammation extends to the entire nasopharynx, it caused by effects on the body:

influenza virus,
measles virus
enterovirus.

Important! The causative agents of the disease are diphtheria bacillus, streptococcus, staphylococcus. The foci of inflammation can spread from the pharynx into the nasal passages, or from the nose everything goes down.

The main reason for the allergic subtype is allergens of animal and plant origin... Household dust, flowering plants, animal hair, polluted air can cause the development of a pathological condition of the nasopharynx.

Carefully! If a child has a one-sided runny nose, then, most likely, we are talking about the ingress of a foreign body into the nasal passages.

Symptoms

Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis directly depends on the subtype of the disease... At each age, the features of the symptoms and course of the disease are different. At the same time, there are a number of signs common to all forms of the disease. Body temperature can be both normal and elevated. Enhancement typical for young children.

At first, light transparent discharge appears from the nose, soon acquiring a mucopurulent character. Areas of the skin around the nose and upper lip are irritated. The nose is stuffed up so that small children cannot suckle properly.

As a result, babies:

lose weight
are capricious
do not sleep well,
often throw their head back to make breathing easier.

Clinical picture complemented by sore throat and uncomfortable pain in the throat, headaches, itchy nose, sneezing. In addition, the tone of voice changes, the child begins to "squeak", hoarseness is noticed in the voice. The submandibular and occipital lymph nodes are enlarged.

Allergic

Allergic rhinopharyngitis diagnosed by the following symptoms:

active sneezing begins;
watery nasal discharge;
cough without sputum discharge;
a feeling of lack of air is created;
persistent nasal congestion with an acute onset. The mucous membranes swell due to exposure to an allergen, in parallel, allergic symptoms appear in the form of a sore throat, rash, conjunctivitis.

Chronic

Chronic rhinopharyngitis is characterized by a long course. It arises against the background of an untreated viral disease or acute rhinopharyngitis... All unpleasant symptoms are inherent in this type:

sore throat, perspiration, frequent dry cough;
hoarseness, hoarseness;
swelling of the tonsils;
the runny nose becomes slimy and purulent;
an increase in lymph nodes against the background of a relapse.

Treatment

Treatment of rhinopharyngitis directly depends on its etiology... In acute therapy antiviral drugs are used... This group includes "Arbidol", "Ergoferon", "Orvirem".

Necessarily carried out symptomatic treatment... In case of elevated temperature, the antipyretic "Nurofen", "Ibuprofen", paracetamol are used.

When deciding what to treat in the first place, be guided by the fact that the first place remains in order to as quickly and effectively as possible to clear the nasal passages of mucus... It is necessary to bury saline or any analogue of seawater. To reduce puffiness, vasoconstrictor drops and sprays are used. As immunostimulants for children from birth, we can take Viferon suppositories.

For relief of allergy attacks antihistamine drops or pills are prescribed... Depending on age, it can be "Zodak", "Zyrtek", "Erius". These drugs are the main ones in the treatment of allergic forms... If the disease is severe, the child may be prescribed corticosteroid drops.

Important! For more effective treatment, it is recommended to pass allergy tests before taking medications to find out the exact provoking allergen.

Antibiotics are used only with bacterial rhinopharyngitis, the nature of which still needs to be clarified in the laboratory. An obligatory component of the treatment of any subspecies of the disease are:

plentiful drink
fresh humid air,
gargle with chamomile decoction.

Inhalations with alkaline solutions and mucolytic agents are also effective.

Carefully! When treating the disease, it is strongly not recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops with menthol. They have an age limit. The same applies to sprays for children under two years of age.

Such drugs, if they get on the mucous throats, can cause a spasm of the respiratory tract. It is unacceptable to treat nasopharyngitis with mustard plasters, warming compresses. For a while it is worth giving up solid hot food.

What Komarovsky says

Treatment of rhinopharyngitis according to Dr. Komarovsky includes several stages:

providing fresh air with the required humidity;
moisturizing the nasopharyngeal mucosa by rinsing with soda solution or sea water;
maximum drinking regime;
symptomatic treatment at high fever and severe nasal congestion;
abundant irrigation of the nasal cavities with saline, the procedure can be carried out every 30 minutes.

In babies of different ages

In children at any age, the diagnosis of rhinopharyngitis is carried out in the same way. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the collected history and test results... Treatment methods are standard, but drugs may vary due to age restrictions.

Carefully! In any case, especially in the case of infants, self-medication is not recommended: rhinopharyngitis, for all its apparent simplicity, gives a large number of complications.

In infants and toddlers up to a year

Any rhinitis in newborns and children in the first year of life is considered rhinopharyngitis, since the inflammatory process from the nasopharynx can flow into the larynx and bronchi.

Carefully! In babies born prematurely, suffering from underweight, rhinopharyngitis is a dangerous disease, sometimes leading to death.

The treatment of such children is most often carried out in a hospital. Generally general therapy with antiviral drugs is prescribed... To facilitate breathing, vasoconstrictor drops are used, and the mucus is removed with an aspirator.

From 1 year to 3 years

Treatment of children aged from one to 3 years is carried out on an outpatient basis, with the threat of complications and the recommendation of a doctor, the child can be hospitalized.

The pediatrician appoints the following indicative treatment regimen:

antiviral drugs taking into account age: "Anaferon", oxolinic ointment, candles "Viferon";
carried out inhalation with saline or expectorant drugs. Steam inhalations are undesirable due to their risk of injury;
to eliminate discomfort in the throat, sprays and aerosols are used, which must be sprayed onto the wall of the cheek;
children still do not know how to gargle at this age, so doctors recommend drinking a decoction of chamomile.

Children over two years old you can give a tablet form of drugs if they know how to dissolve them. Otherwise, the dragee is crushed into powder and mixed with a small amount of water.

From 4 to 7 years old

During the preschool and early school periods, the risk of infection increases. The child begins to attend kindergarten, school, closely contacts with peers. In this age diagnosing the disease is much easier because the child can already explain what is bothering him.

On a note! The treatment process also becomes easier: most drugs, including immunomodulators, are allowed from the age of three.

In appointments, you can find "Amiksin", drops with menthol, rinses with special solutions or prepared broths. The procedure is carried out 4-6 times a day, 20-30 minutes after meals.

On a note! As vasoconstrictor drops, "Nazivin", "Vibrocil", "Nazol" are used. They should not be used for more than three days.

Prophylaxis

Preventive measures aimed at general strengthening of the immune system... Hardening is carried out, hypothermia is excluded, the child is dressed for a walk according to the weather. It is important to monitor the humidity of the air to avoid dryness of the nasal passages.

Drops "Grippferon" will help reduce the risk of illness during the cold season. An alternative may be to lubricate the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment. Necessary limit contact with sick children as much as possible... At the first sign of rhinopharyngitis, it is important to see a doctor and start timely treatment.

Conclusion

Rhinopharyngitis treatment is carried out in two directions: Elimination of runny nose and sore throat.
Is important correct definition of the nature of the disease... In particular, allergic rhinopharyngitis requires specific therapy and adjustments to the baby's lifestyle.
In children there may be age-related and seasonal surges in the incidence: the beginning of the cold season, going to kindergarten or school - these factors will affect the possibility of getting sick.

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Nasopharyngitis is known as the common cold. Acute rhinopharyngitis in children is very common. Despite the widespread and seeming frivolity of this disease, it is very important to know how to treat it correctly so that it does not worsen as a result of your actions. Treatment of rhinopharyngitis in children has its own specifics.

Before talking about rhinopharyngitis and the methods of treating this disease, it must be said that this is not a disease, but a syndrome that can indicate a variety of disorders in the body.

Rhinopharyngitis is an inflammatory process in the nasopharynx area, in which mucus (actually rhinitis) is actively secreted, sore throat and coughing begin. All these unpleasant phenomena together can indicate the following types of ailments:

infection (viral, the most common case);
bacterial contamination;
a strong allergic reaction.

Before looking for a way to treat rhinopharyngitis, it is necessary to determine the cause of its occurrence.

Possible causes of rhinopharyngitis

Inflammation of the nasopharynx is characteristic of a viral infection, bacterial lesion, or acute allergy.

Inflammation in which the nasopharynx suffers can be caused by the following types of viruses:

influenza pathogen;
parainfluenza pathogen:
rhinovirus infection;
adenovirus;
RS virus.

It is they who will be guilty of the development of the inflammatory process in ninety percent of cases.

There may be other culprits for this condition - certain types of bacteria:

mycoplasma;
chlamydia;
diphtheria bacillus;
staphylococci;
gonococci.

The likelihood that the inflammation of the nasopharynx was caused precisely by microbes is small, but it cannot be completely ruled out.

The reason may be completely different: rhinopharyngitis sometimes accompanies strong allergic reactions.

Allergies can occur in any person, and it is difficult to predict its occurrence, however, there are so-called risk factors for viral and bacterial infection. In some situations, the body is more vulnerable to adverse external influences than usual.

Factors that increase the likelihood of infection:

Hypothermia of the body. It is not capable of causing colds and flu by itself, but weakens the body and "prepares the soil" for infection.
Chronic illnesses.
A recent illness that weakened the immune system.
Foci of bacterial infection already present in the body (including carious areas).
Disturbances in the work of the intestinal microflora.
Second hand smoke.

All these factors increase the risk of the transformation of the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx into a chronic one.

Symptoms of acute rhinopharyngitis

In most viral diseases, the incubation period lasts from three to five days. Symptoms of acute rhinopharyngitis become noticeable on the third day. These are the classic signs of a cold:

sore throat that gets worse when swallowing;
persistent reflex cough; with rhinopharyngitis, this is the most common and obvious symptom;
fever is a standard symptom of bacterial and viral diseases;
swelling and redness of the eyelids;
constant lacrimation;
swelling of the occipital, cervical and behind the ear lymph nodes;
weakness and fatigue;
headache.

Rhinopharyngitis in a child is much more severe than in an adult, and all of the above symptoms are more pronounced. This must be taken into account when planning medical procedures for a child. It is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible: the younger the child, the worse he can tolerate the disease.

Chronic rhinopharyngitis

Therapy, carried out not in full or prematurely completed, can push the transition of rhinopharyngitis from an acute form to a permanent one. The external signs of these two diseases are similar to each other, differing in that the chronic form does not cause an increase in body temperature, the inflammatory process is not observed.

These are three types of disorder:

Atrophic rhinopharyngitis, in which the lining of the nasal cavity becomes thin and atrophies. The main external signs are a sore cough and a "hissing" voice.
Hypertrophic rhinopharyngitis, in which the mucous membrane swells painfully and blocks the airways. Typical manifestations are increased cough, perspiration and a foreign body sensation in the throat, purulent sputum, swollen lymph nodes.
Catarrhal rhinopharyngitis. Almost no visible changes in the mucous membrane are observed, while the symptoms are the same as in hypertrophic.

Chronic rhinopharyngitis can be caused, first of all, by an acute form of the same disease, left without proper attention. If there are other foci of inflammation in the body, for example, a carious tooth, then the disease is almost guaranteed to turn into a permanent form.

It is necessary to start treatment procedures for rhinopharyngitis in a timely manner, since without treatment it can lead to unpleasant and extremely serious complications (otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia).

Therapy

Treatment of acute rhinopharyngitis in children must combine the judicious use of medication and the creation of certain conditions to facilitate the fight against infection.

To combat a runny nose and relieve nasal breathing, the following will be useful:

Drops with a vasoconstrictor effect. They quickly relieve swelling and allow you to breathe freely for several hours. But it is not recommended to use them for more than seven days, so as not to harm the mucous membrane and blood vessels.
Cleansing the nose with solutions containing sea salt. You can wash your child's nose only from the age of three!

You can relieve a cough by using the following remedies:

Cough drops. Their resorption softens the inner lining of the throat and makes reflex coughing easier; there is also a slight anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effect. Such pills are allowed for children of five and older.
Topical throat sprays relieve pain and soreness and have some antibiotic effects.
The cough is reflex. It is an involuntary reaction to mucus running down the back of the throat. To remove this reaction, it is enough to dissolve a regular, non-medicated lollipop.
You can disinfect your throat, and at the same time relieve a cough with rinsing with furacilin, a solution of salt and (or) soda, a decoction of calendula or chamomile.

All of the above is symptomatic treatment. The real reason is viral or bacterial infection, which must be fought. Both antiviral drugs and antibiotics can only be prescribed by a doctor.

It is equally important to create the appropriate conditions for recovery:

The temperature in the living area should not exceed twenty degrees. At high air temperatures, harmful microorganisms multiply more actively.
In the room where the patient is located, it is necessary to regularly carry out wet cleaning and airing.
With infectious diseases of any kind, an abundant drink is necessary, which helps to remove pathogenic bacteria and viruses, as well as their toxins, from the body.
In case of an infectious disease, in no case should you overeat or overfeed the child. For a weakened body, a large amount of food is an excessive load.

All these recommendations concern, first of all, infectious types of rhinopharyngitis. Treatment of allergic rhinopharyngitis should be supervised by an allergist. Some actions can be taken at home: to limit, and it is better to completely exclude contact with the allergen, use drops that relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa. If the allergen is food, take (or give sick children) sorbents for faster removal of the allergen from the body.

Folk remedies for the treatment of rhinopharyngitis

With a wide variety of modern medicines, one should not neglect folk recipes, especially in the initial stages. Traditional medicine offers many recipes for improving well-being in acute nasopharyngitis:

A decoction of calendula (they can be used to rinse the nose to clear mucus).
Instilling beet juice or Kalanchoe broth into the nose. Both reduce ongoing inflammation.
Preparations based on licorice root (syrups, decoctions, etc.) eliminate perspiration and promote the elimination of phlegm.
Medicines from elecampane, coltsfoot, plantain will be useful.
A decoction of blueberries will also be a useful tool: 100 g of berries must be poured with water 1: 3 and boiled.
Potato inhalation will help to facilitate nasal breathing.

Preventive measures

It is not difficult to prevent diseases accompanied by rhinopharyngitis. This requires:

Strengthen the body by hardening, regular exercise, eat food rich in vitamins, or take vitamin complexes.
Monitor the emergence of foci of bacterial infection in the body.
The living area should be regularly ventilated and thoroughly cleaned.

If you feel mildly unwell, in no case leave everything uncontrolled. Hot tea, a day of rest and cough drops may be enough to prevent a common cold from turning into a serious infectious disease with many unpleasant consequences.

Rhinopharyngitis is understood as an inflammatory process that captures the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa in a child. During breathing, the nasal cavity plays an important protective role. Constantly moving villi of the mucous membrane contribute to the retention of dust in the air. The mucus secreted by the glands of the mucous membrane moisturizes the air and disinfects it with the help of a special substance called lysozyme. Thus, in the nasal cavity, the air inhaled by the baby is cleansed, moisturized and warmed. Therefore, free nasal breathing is of great importance for a child.

If breathing is difficult, then this worsens the patient's quality of life.

Causes of rhinopharyngitis in children

In the overwhelming majority of cases (about 90% of the total mass), the cause of the development of rhinopharyngitis is a recent viral disease. Because of this, the term "rhinovirus infection" is often put in the diagnosis column, which is synonymous with rhinopharyngitis.

Today, doctors isolate a wide range of viruses that can lead to the development of acute respiratory viral infections, accompanied, among other things, by inflammation in the nasal passages and pharynx. In addition to viral infection, a factor provoking the development of rhinopharyngitis may be contact with certain types of bacteria (for example, mycoplasma, diphtheria bacillus, chlamydia, streptococcus and staphylococcus, etc.). Separately, it is also customary to mention allergic reactions, it is also more capable of starting inflammatory processes.

The pathogenesis is simple: a virus or bacterium, getting on the mucous membrane of the nasal passages or pharynx, begins its active reproduction there. As the infectious agent accumulates, the body begins to respond to its presence, responding with an inflammatory response. Local inflammation of the mucous membranes leads to increased secretion of mucous secretions, pain and discomfort.

It is interesting that children of different ages regularly come into contact with a huge number of bacteria and viruses, but they do not suffer from rhinopharyngitis without exception. This suggests that additional factors of the external and internal environment are needed for the development of the disease, which include:

weakening of the body due to recent contact with the disease;
hypothermia, a sharp change in climate;
nervous shock, stress;
lack of vitamins in food;
the impact of environmental factors;
the presence of infectious foci in the child's body, from which agents can migrate without restriction;
parental addiction to smoking, which makes the child a passive smoker.

Rhinopharyngitis, which develops due to bacteria, is most often the result of an improperly treated bacterial infection that was originally localized elsewhere. The development of such a disease is caused, for example, by the irrational use of antibiotics or too early rejection of drugs of this spectrum.

Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis in children

Acute rhinofarangitis

A constant symptom of the disease is nasal congestion, sneezing. Due to the accumulation of secretions in the nasal cavity, a small child has difficulty feeding: every 2-3 sips, he is forced to drop his breast in order to inhale through his mouth. As a result, the child is malnourished and may lose weight. Difficulty breathing causes anxiety in the baby, he cries, sleep is disturbed. To facilitate the passage of air, children throw their heads back a little.

At first, nasal discharge is clear, liquid, then it becomes mucous, thicker. There may be purulent nasal discharge. Due to the irritating effect of secretions on the skin and rubbing with a handkerchief or napkin, redness appears around the nasal passages. In rare cases, there is an admixture of blood in the nasal discharge in the form of streaks.

In the posterior parts of the nasal cavity, mucus can stagnate due to a difficult outflow: dried mucus further narrows the already narrow nasal passages of a small child.

Older children complain of sore throat and pain when swallowing, headache and body aches. Ear congestion and hearing loss are common, indicating inflammation of the Eustachian tube. The voice takes on a nasal tone. In the future, pain in the ear may also appear. The submandibular and cervical lymph nodes are enlarged.

Body temperature can rise to high numbers, but a slight increase is possible. Small children may experience seizures against the background of an increase in temperature.

For inflammation of the pharynx, in addition to sore throat, cough is characteristic. When examining the pharynx, redness of the mucous membrane and mucus flowing down the back of the pharynx can be seen, which can cause vomiting in the child. In some cases, in addition to vomiting, loose stools appear, possibly bloating.

In the absence of complications, the disease lasts about 7 days and ends with recovery. With some viral infections (adenovirus, for example), a wave-like course of the disease can be noted.

Complications, in addition to otitis media (the most common complication in children), can be bronchitis and pneumonia. But the development of inflammation of the vocal cords (croup) is especially dangerous for young children. In this case, it is necessary to provide emergency therapy. In severe cases, a retropharyngeal abscess may also form.

Allergic rhinopharyngitis

Most often it manifests itself in the summer, during the flowering period of grasses and trees. It can also develop through contact with other allergens. Clinically, it is not always easy to distinguish from other types of disease (viral, bacterial).

Symptoms of allergic rhinopharyngitis are:

sudden nasal congestion due to severe swelling of the mucous membrane;
profuse discharge of mucus from the nose;
burning and itching in the nasal passages and eyes;
redness of the eyelids and tearing;
sore throat;
increased manifestations in the position of the child lying on his back;
difficulty breathing often occurs;
cough.

The manifestations of the disease decrease when contact with the allergen stops, which can serve as a distinguishing feature from other types of disease.

In the case of a child with a runny nose (especially during the flowering season) that does not disappear despite treatment, an allergist consultation is necessary.

Although allergic rhinitis does not pose a threat to the child's life, parents should treat it, as it can be a harbinger of the development of an asthmatic condition, and in schoolchildren this significantly reduces the ability to work.

Chronic rhinopharyngitis

The disease is characterized by a long course and is the outcome of the acute form as a result of insufficient treatment. Chronization of the process can also be facilitated by the presence of chronic foci of infection (tonsillitis, caries, sinusitis). There are catarrhal, atrophic and hypertrophic forms of the chronic process.

The unpleasant sensations in the pharynx persist despite treatment; hoarseness of voice, sore throat may appear. Discharge from the nose is mucous or purulent. Disturbed by a frequent dry cough, although in the morning, secretions from the throat are coughing up, which can provoke a gag reflex. Tonsils are loose, enlarged. Lymph nodes (on the back and side walls of the pharynx) enlarge.

Treatment of rhinopharyngitis in children

For the treatment of acute rhinopharyngitis in children and to alleviate the condition, the following groups of drugs are used:

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops. According to the reviews of doctors and mothers, the most effective are Vibrocil, Nazivin, Otrivin, Lazolvan Rino. It is worth noting that this is only symptomatic therapy, which helps to remove swelling in the child's nose and temporarily suspend the secretion of mucus;

Antihistamines (antiallergic) drugs. They are prescribed as symptomatic therapy to reduce swelling in the nasal cavity, lacrimation, and profuse mucus. These are such means as Tavegil, Suprastin, Erius, Fenistil. They are all approved for use from 1 month;

Sprays or lozenges are given to treat a throat infection. The use of sprays is associated with the risk of developing laryngospasm, so they are not recommended for children under 4 years of age. After this age, Tantum Verde, Hexoral, Ingalipt, Cameton are effective. Younger children are given half or a quarter of a tablet of Lisobakt, Tonsilotren. From 5 to 6 years old, children can gargle on their own. You can prepare rinsing solutions yourself. To do this, you need to make a decoction of chamomile flowers, calendula, sage and strain. You can also purchase ready-made preparations for rinsing the throat - Givalex, Stomatidin, etc.;

Sometimes a drug such as Paxeladine is used to treat a reflex cough in a child. However, before using it, it is imperative to consult a doctor, as it can aggravate the condition with the onset of bronchitis or pneumonia.

A necessary procedure for acute rhinopharyngitis is nasal irrigation with sea water (Humer, Atomer, Aqua-Maris). The microelements contained in it help to increase the immune defense of the nasal mucosa, reduce the secretion of mucus. Small children, who, due to their age, do not know how to blow their nose on their own, it is necessary to rinse the nose with the indicated drugs or ordinary saline 3 to 4 times a day and remove the accumulated mucus. This can be done using special aspirators.

Previously, for the treatment of acute viral rhinopharyngitis in children, antiviral drugs were always prescribed: Interferon, Amiksin, Viferon, Groprinosin, Arbidol, etc. However, today more and more pediatricians are abandoning this practice, since, according to some reports, the uncontrolled use of such drugs inhibits the functioning of the child's immune system. Therefore, before giving such medicines to a child, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Antibiotics for acute nasopharyngitis are necessary if the cause of the disease is a bacterial infection. Usually, drugs of a wide spectrum of action are prescribed and a referral for bacterial culture from the pharynx and nose is issued. Then, based on the results of the analysis, the tactics of further treatment are selected. To completely get rid of pathogenic microflora and avoid complications, long-term therapy under the control of an ENT is necessary.

Inhalation recipes for the treatment of rhinopharyngitis

Inhalation will help to quickly cope with rhinovirus infection - with rhinopharyngitis, they are carried out with essential oils, salt, herbs. The water should be at a temperature of 40 ° C.

Prevention of rhinopharyngitis in children

In order not to face such a problem as rhinopharyngitis in children, it is better to replace treatment with the prevention of diseases.

Do not forget about hardening your child, do not make him a delicate southern plant, wrapped in sweaters and warm blankets;

Don't forget about healthy eating. You can consult with a specialist who will help balance it. Make sure that your child always has on the table not only sweets, but also fruits, cereals, meat and fish;

Remember that nasopharyngitis can be allergic in nature. Find out what exactly irritates your baby;

Quit your bad habits. From tobacco smoke, for example, children can also experience this disease;

Do not forget to relax with your child. Take a walk in the autumn park, go to the village on the lake, make a snowman in the yard.

Acute rhinopharyngitis is a very common viral or bacterial disease. Unlike isolated infections of the upper respiratory tract (for example, rhinitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.), this disease affects the nasal cavity and pharynx.

Most often, rhinopharyngitis occurs in preschool and primary school children. This is due to the structural features of the nasopharynx in a child, the immaturity of the immune system. In addition, when they first come to kindergarten or school, children find themselves in a close team, which is also stress for the immune system.

According to medical statistics, on average, each child suffers from rhinopharyngitis 4 - 7 times a year. There is also a certain seasonality of this disease. Its peak occurs in the autumn-winter period; in winter and spring, children get sick relatively less often. In adults, isolated forms of ARVI are more common.

Causes of the disease

In most cases, acute nasopharyngitis in a child is referred to as acute respiratory viral infections or, in short, ARVI. The fact is that most often the cause of the disease is rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses.

The "gateway" for viruses is the nasal and oral cavity. They first enter the mucous membrane, and then penetrate the cell membrane and begin to multiply. As a result, the secretion of mucus increases, an inflammatory process develops that covers the entire nasopharynx. By the way, studies have shown that in the children's team, in most cases, the virus is transmitted by contact (for example, through toys if hygiene rules are not followed).

Much less often, rhinopharyngitis in children develops against the background of pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic bacterial flora, in particular pneumococci, β-hemolytic group A streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae.

Rhinopharyngitis Psychosomatics

Pharyngitis. Children's doctor.

What is pharyngitis and how to treat it

However, children almost daily encounter carriers of a viral infection and various bacteria. But not everyone gets sick with rhinopharyngitis. Weakened immunity plays a decisive role in the development of the disease. The risk of damage to the nasopharynx increases in such cases:

Hypothermia.
A recent illness that weakened the body.
Chronic diseases.
The presence of foci of bacterial infection in the child's body. Even banal caries negatively affects the functioning of the immune system and can cause frequent rhinopharyngitis and other acute respiratory viral infections.
Adenoiditis of various etiologies.
Insufficient content of vitamins and other nutrients in the diet, malnutrition.
Second hand smoke. According to recent studies, inhalation of tobacco smoke greatly increases the risk of upper respiratory tract diseases.
Unfavorable ecological factors of the environment.
Violation of the intestinal microflora (dysbiosis) is also a factor that weaken the immune system.

Bacterial rhinopharyngitis is also caused by insufficient or improperly treated streptococcal or pneumococcal infection. Often this happens due to incorrect dosage of antibiotics, stopping the drug too early after the child's condition improves.

Symptoms

The incubation period of viral rhinopharyngitis is from two to five days, most often the first manifestations are noticeable on the third day. The child becomes lethargic, capricious, refuses to eat, constantly asks for hands, complains of a sore throat, itching in the nose.

After some time, symptoms of acute rhinopharyngitis in children develop on an increasing basis:

Runny nose. If a viral infection has not joined, then the mucous discharge is transparent. At the onset of the disease, they are of a liquid consistency, and after a few days they become thicker.
Sore throat that is worse when swallowing.
Sneezing.
Cough.It is worth noting that it is of a reflex nature and occurs when the back of the throat is irritated by mucus flowing down from the nasal cavity.
Severe redness of the mucous membrane of the lower eyelid. Normally, it has a soft pink color.
Temperature rise to 37.5 - 38.0 °.
Hoarse voice.
Lachrymation.
An increase in the occipital, behind the ear, sometimes cervical lymph nodes.
Redness of the palatine arches, posterior and lateral surfaces of the pharynx.

Clinical manifestations of general intoxication are also increasing. Children complain of headaches, increased fatigue, decreased school performance, and a constant feeling of weakness.

Acute rhinopharyngitis is especially difficult in children at an early age. Because of a stuffy nose, babies experience difficulties during feeding, it is difficult for them to suck on a breast or a bottle of formula and have to constantly tear themselves away to breathe through their mouths. As a result, the baby can significantly lose weight during the illness. In addition, the constant discharge of mucus from the nose leads to severe painful skin irritation.

How to ease the course of the disease in children

Many pediatricians, including the famous doctor Yevgeny Komarovsky, agree that the main treatment for rhinopharyngitis in children is not the use of medications, but the creation of appropriate conditions for recovery.

The temperature in the nursery, or better in the whole house or apartment, should not exceed 20 - 21 °.
The child's clothing should be made from natural fabrics.
Maintaining a normal humidity level, especially during the heating season. A conventional humidifier is best for this. If this device is not available, it is recommended to cover the heating radiators with a damp cloth.
Daily wet cleaning.
Regular ventilation of the room.
Drink plenty of fluids. It is often very difficult to give water to small children, but this can be done with a regular syringe for dosing drugs. Babies can be given regular water, an older child - rosehip decoction, dried fruit compote, berry juice.
Feeding the baby according to his appetite. The golden rule for any viral infection: if you don't want to eat, you shouldn't.

However, one observance of all the listed rules is not enough. The fact is that acute nasopharyngitis has similar symptoms with such dangerous infections as scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles. Therefore, it is necessary to call the local pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis.

Drug therapy of the disease

For the treatment of acute rhinopharyngitis in children and to alleviate the condition, the following groups of drugs are used:

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops. According to the reviews of doctors and mothers, the most effective are Vibrocil, Nazivin, Otrivin, Lazolvan Rino. It is worth noting that this is only symptomatic therapy, which helps to remove swelling in the child's nose and temporarily suspend the secretion of mucus.
Medicinal nasal drops. Protargol is ideal for treating a cold. This product is only sold in pharmacies with a prescription department. Children after two years old can drip Pinosol. These are oil droplets containing herbal ingredients. In some cases, the pediatrician prescribes complex compound drops that have a vasoconstrictor and antimicrobial effect. Their composition is selected taking into account the age of the child, however, they usually contain solutions of epinephrine hydrochloride, suprastin, hydrocortisone, dioxidine.
Antihistamines (antiallergic) drugs. They are prescribed as symptomatic therapy to reduce swelling in the nasal cavity, lacrimation, and profuse mucus. These are such means as Tavegil, Suprastin, Erius, Fenistil. They are all approved for use from 1 month.
Sprays or lozenges are given to treat a throat infection. The use of sprays is associated with the risk of developing laryngospasm, so they are not recommended for children under 4 years of age. After this age, Tantum Verde, Hexoral, Ingalipt, Cameton are effective. Younger children are given half or a quarter of a tablet of Lisobakt, Tonsilotren. From 5 to 6 years old, children can gargle on their own. You can prepare rinsing solutions yourself. To do this, you need to make a decoction of chamomile flowers, calendula, sage and strain. You can also purchase ready-made preparations for rinsing the throat - Givalex, Stomatidin, etc.
Sometimes a drug such as Paxeladine is used to treat a reflex cough in a child. However, before using it, it is imperative to consult a doctor, as it can aggravate the condition with the onset of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Previously, for the treatment of acute viral rhinopharyngitis in children, antiviral drugs were always prescribed: Interferon, Amiksin, Viferon, Groprinosin, Arbidol, etc. However, today more and more pediatricians are abandoning this practice, since, according to some reports, the uncontrolled use of such drugs inhibits the functioning of the child's immune system. Therefore, before giving such medicines to a child, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Possible complications of rhinopharyngitis

In children, especially in the first years of life, infection spreads very quickly. The most common complications of an upper respiratory tract infection are:

Otitis. The first sign of this disease is severe ear pain, and fever is also possible.
Bacterial rhinitis. When a bacterial infection is attached, the mucus secreted from the nose becomes cloudy and takes on a yellowish tint.
The spread of the infection to the lower respiratory tract with the development of bronchitis, the main symptom of which is a severe deep cough and fever.
The transition of an acute form of rhinopharyngitis to a chronic one.

Strengthening the immune system is the only prevention of rhinopharyngitis. Moreover, you need to start doing this the sooner the better.

Rhinopharyngitis in children is a complex inflammation localized in the nasal cavity of the pharynx. Rhinopharyngitis is often confused with common ARVI. However, this pathology should be taken very seriously, since it can lead to significant complications. This pathology requires timely diagnosis and symptomatic therapy.

Causes of occurrence

In 90% of cases, rhinopharyngitis is a complication after respiratory viral diseases. One of the main factors provoking the appearance of this disease is contact with pathogenic microorganisms. The occurrence of inflammation on the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity of the pharynx can also cause allergic reactions.

Rhinopharyngitis in children manifests itself in the presence of such additional factors:

hypothermia;
changes in climatic conditions;
vitamin deficiency;
unfavorable ecology;
the presence in the body of foci of chronic infections, etc.

Signs of the disease

Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis in children are usually expressed in the form of a sharp increase in temperature and the appearance of edema, localized in the nasopharynx region. In children under one year old, this pathology manifests itself in the form of frequent regurgitation and intestinal upset. In a newborn, this ailment manifests itself in the form of refusal to suckle the breast. Sleep disturbances and frequent whims are also indirect confirmation of the presence of this pathology.

For infants, this pathology is considered extremely dangerous. Given the decrease in the body's resistance, this pathology leads to the development of diseases of the respiratory system. In addition, acute rhinopharyngitis in children provokes the appearance of lining laryngitis, which can threaten the life of the baby.

To ensure timely treatment, attention should be paid to the following signs of this pathology:

Difficulty breathing as a result of swelling in the larynx and nasal congestion
the appearance of first light, and then purulent discharge from the nose;
flatulence;
the appearance of an unreasonable feeling of anxiety;
critical temperature rise;
diarrhea.

Such symptoms of acute rhinopharyngitis require an immediate visit to a specialized doctor. In this case, you should not independently treat this pathology, like an ordinary cold. It is worth remembering that it can become a harbinger of acute infectious viral diseases of the respiratory tract, diphtheria, scarlet fever and other serious illnesses.

Varieties

In medicine, there are 3 forms of rhinopharyngitis:

sharp;
chronic;
allergic.

The most common form of this pathology is acute rhinopharyngitis. It occurs suddenly and is easily identified. Acute rhinopharyngitis in a baby can be diagnosed if the baby first takes the breast, but after a few sips begins to breathe through the mouth. This behavior is considered to be evidence of difficulty in nasal breathing. The onset of this pathology in a child under two years of age leads to weight loss resulting from malnutrition.

Acute rhinopharyngitis in a child aged three years and older contributes to a sore throat and pain when swallowing. The rapid progression of the acute form also leads to an increase in the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes. The acute form of this disease also contributes to inflammation of the larynx. In this case, the baby needs emergency medical care at the clinic.

The acute form of this disease lasts for 7 days. If, after this period, the baby has no complications, we can talk about complete recovery.

The chronic form is characterized by a long course. Usually it manifests itself due to poor-quality and untimely treatment of the acute form. The factors causing the development of chronic rhinopharyngitis are:

tonsillitis;
gradual destruction of dental tissue;
sinusitis;
other foci of infectious diseases.

The chronic form of this disease is divided into 3 types: catarrhal, hypertrophic and atrophic. In the first case, the cause of the onset of the disease may be living in a dusty room or the presence of a smoker in the family (in such a situation, the child is a passive smoker). In the case of overgrowth of lymphoid tissue, hypertrophic rhinopharyngitis is observed in children. The death of the inner membrane and the formation of crusts, due to which the airways are narrowed, indicates the occurrence of an atrophic type of this disease.

In summer, treatment of allergic rhinopharyngitis in children is usually required. This form of pathology is almost indistinguishable from a bacterial or viral counterpart. But allergic rhinopharyngitis is characterized by several obvious symptoms:

severe nasal congestion, sneezing;
redness of the eyelids;
excessive lacrimation;
burning and itching in the nostrils and eyes.

Treatment

Before treating this disease, you should first consult a specialized doctor. After the diagnosis and examination of the baby, the attending physician prescribes antiviral drugs: Anaferon, Amiksin, Oxolinic ointment, Viferon-gel, Interferon. Prescribing these drugs for childhood rhinopharyngitis, the doctor will be guided not only by the existing symptoms, but also by federal standards. For example, Amiksin is approved for use only after 7 years. Antiviral drugs, which are used in pill form, are recommended to be taken in the first days of the disease.

In order to cure rhinopharyngitis, drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid (for example, Aspirin) are never used. The combined use of funds based on ibuprofen or paracetamol is also excluded. In any case, the appointment of a certain remedy is possible only after consulting the attending physician.

A doctor's consultation is also necessary in the case of an allergic form of this disease. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe the use of such pills for the treatment of rhinopharyngitis in children: Tavegil, Kalritin, Zodak, etc. To stop an allergic reaction, antihistamines or drops are also additionally prescribed. The use of these agents removes symptoms and allergens from the body.

Antibiotics may also be used to treat rhinopharyngitis in children. Antibacterial agents for the treatment of children are taken very carefully and only in cases where the disease is of a bacteriological nature. Prescribing antibiotics to children, any doctor knows that these funds significantly reduce immunity and can have a negative effect on the body. Therefore, such medications cannot be used for preventive treatment.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used only as directed by a physician. In this case, the doctor must first carry out a bacterial culture, which will allow assessing the resistance of the child's body to antibiotics and choosing the appropriate drug. If the doctor still prescribed the use of antibiotics, then his recommendations should be followed unquestioningly. Many parents, seeing the first signs of improvement, choose to discontinue antibiotic therapy. But such a step can only lead to the fact that the acute form is transformed into a chronic one.

Nebulizer inhalation therapy can also be used to treat this disease. Inhalation involves the use of essential oils and mineral water. For the treatment of children 3 years old in the process of inhalation, a water-salt solution is used. It is customary to use this method of treatment for the acute form of the disease. The use of a nebulizer provides the maximum therapeutic effect on the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

A contraindication for this procedure is an increased body temperature. Inhalation can lead to further warming of the body and worsening of the child's condition. When using this method, you should also take into account the possibility of allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the means used for inhalation.

In general, rhinopharyngitis is a dangerous and deceiving disease. Many parents perceive this disease as a common cold. But the protracted course of this pathology can lead to very serious complications. Therefore, when the first signs of such a disease occur, you should promptly seek medical help.